Cultural Delights Await: Must-Visit Places In Ahmedabad For You

Ahmedabad is a city steeped in cultural heritage, and this energy is reflected in the sites to visit. Every attraction in Ahmedabad has a unique tale to tell. From the Dada Harir Stepwell to the tranquil Sabarmati Ashram; from the intricately carved Adalaj stepwell to the latticed Jama Masjid. These tales have been passed down through the ages, earning it the status of UNESCO's World Heritage City in 2017. If you are visiting for the first time, get ready to journey into the past, as you visit these notable sites. 

Swaminarayan Temple

The Swaminarayan Temple is a revered religious site in Ahmedabad, dedicated to Lord Narnarayanan and is the first temple of the Swaminarayan sect. This magnificent temple, built in 1882, is exquisitely designed and features intricately carved Burmese Teak interiors. The temple is adorned with brightly coloured arches and brackets, beautiful galleries, and domes.

The main hall houses the image of Lord Narayanan, made of pure marble, while the inner walls and exterior of the temple are covered in Gujarati designs depicting the culture and lifestyle of Gujarat. The temple is home to many idols of Swaminarayan, including some of his personal belongings. It's a sight to behold and a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the religious and cultural heritage of Ahmedabad.

The Information

Address: Swaminarayan Mandir Road, Kalupur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380001

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Timings: 5 am to 12 noon; 3 pm to 10 pm

Best Time to Visit: All year round

Dada Harir Stepwell

The Dada Harir Stepwell, built in the Solanki architectural style in 1485, is a stunning example of exquisite architecture and masonry from Mahmud Shah's reign. Here, you can admire the intricate craftsmanship and the inscriptions in Sanskrit and Persian on the walls and pillars narrating its story. As you look down the five-storey deep stepwell, you'll see birds flitting about, and the whole ambience of this structure will transport you back in time.

One of the main attractions of this place is the sudden cooling effect that you feel as soon as you enter. It's a welcome respite from the scorching Ahmedabad sun, especially during summer. The best time to visit the stepwell is in the late mornings when the sunlight illuminates the depths of the well.

The Information

Address: Hanumansingh Rd, Haripura, Asarwa, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380016

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Timings: Monday - Saturday 9 am to 5 pm, on Sundays 9 am - 6 pm

Best Time to Visit: All year round

Sabarmati Ashram

One of the most popular tourist places in Ahmedabad is the Sabarmati Ashram, once a residence of Mahatma Gandhi, located on the banks of the Sabarmati River. The ashram has been divided into several sections, with the most interesting being the Museum section, where visitors can see personal belongings of Gandhi, including glasses, wooden slippers, hand-operated charkha and several of his letters on display.

Some of the main attractions here include the Upasana Mandir, Magan Niwas, Hriday Kunj, Udyog Mandir, and the Ashram Museum. The Library also has several manuscripts, books, photographs, and other objects of interest.

The Information

Address: Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, Ashram Rd, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380027

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Timings: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Adalaj Stepwell

The structure is octagonal in shape and is built in such a way that the temperature inside the stepwell is almost 6 degrees cooler than the outside temperature. This makes it a perfect place to escape the heat and enjoy the beauty of the monument.

The stepwell is a magnificent five-storey structure that holds great significance due to the deities engraved on its walls. Local villagers visit the stepwell to offer their prayers to these deities. At the entrance, there is a temple that adds to the spiritual significance of the place. The stepwell's unique design allows light to enter through the opening in the ceiling, creating a mesmerising effect.

The Information

Address: Adalaj, Gandhinagar District, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 382421, India

Entry Fee: No Entry Fees

Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Jhulta Minar

Jhulta Minar is a unique monument that boasts a fascinating style of architecture. What makes it even more intriguing is the fact that when one of the minarets is shaken, the other corresponding minarets start vibrating after a few seconds, but the area between them remains still. This phenomenon has puzzled archaeologists and experts for years, and to this day, there is no explanation for it.

Aside from this mysterious feature, the minars themselves are a sight to behold, showcasing exquisite architectural splendor that reflects both Mughal and Rajputana styles of architecture. Originally intended to be the entrance to the Sidi Bashir mosque, the mosque was unfortunately torn down during the Gujarat Sultanate uprising.

The Information

Address: Kalupur Road Sarangpur, Laxmi Bazar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380002

Entry Fee: No entry fees

Timings: 7 am to 7 pm

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Sarkhej Roza

The ancient necropolis of Sarkhej Roza is truly a sight to behold. The sandstone and marble foundation of the monument is a testament to the architectural prowess of the Gujarat sultans. Located in Makarba, about seven kilometres south of Ahmedabad, this cluster of elegantly constructed monuments surrounds a beautiful seventeen-acre lake. It's a stunning example of the Indo-Saracenic architecture that the Mughals brought to the subcontinent.

The Information

Address: Sarkhej Roza, Makarba, Gujarat 380051

Entry Fee: No entry fees

Timings:  9 am to 6 pm

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Jama Masjid

Built by Ahmed Shah I, the founder of Ahmedabad in 1423 AD, this imperial structure is a blend of Muslim, Jain and Hindu architecture, notably in the lotus-like carving of some domes, similar to that of many Jain temples. A massive archway complete with intricate carvings on stone welcomes you to the interiors flooded with a vibrant flow of lights coming through the beautiful lattice screens.

Two shaking minarets stood until the great earthquake of 1819, which made them lose half their height, though their lower portions still remain in the prayer hall’s central portico. 260 columns support 15 principal domes at different elevations in the prayer hall.

The Information

Address: Manek Chowk, Gandhi Rd, Danapidth, Khadia, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001

Entry Fee: No Entry Fees

Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is a stunning example of the remarkable architectural heritage of the African diaspora in India. Despite being brought to India as slaves and maritime labourers, the descendants of these Africans went on to become military commanders in the armies of the Sultans and became great patrons of art and architecture. It's fascinating to see how they rose to positions of power and left behind such a beautiful legacy.

The Information

Address: Salapose Road, Opposite Electricity House, Lal Darwaja, Gheekanta, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380001

Entry Fee: No Entry Fees

Timings: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Best Time to Visit: October to March